Run On — Characters & Cast

Evolves from passive compliance with family expectations to carving out an ethical, autonomous identity.

Starts as an emotionally detached athlete who exists merely as a decorative trophy for his politician father and actress mother. Driven by moral outrage over the abuse of junior runner Kim Woo-sik, he forfeits his athletic career to expose the rot within his sport. Through his relationship with Mi-joo, he transitions into a self-determining sports agent who learns to voice his own emotions and prioritize his own happiness.

Shifts from sheer survival and professional validation toward embracing intimacy without compromising her hard-won autonomy.

Having survived foster care and financial insecurity alone, Mi-joo begins as a defensive, hyper-pragmatic freelancer who maintains transactional walls around her life. Meeting Seon-gyeom challenges her instincts to flee. While deepening her emotional ties, she holds firm to her self-esteem, showing that genuine vulnerability does not require self-effacement.

Moves from bitter pursuit of corporate power to recognizing and respecting her inner emotional life.

Trapped in a cutthroat, misogynistic chaebol environment where she was denied succession rights and forced to abandon soccer, she uses biting sarcasm as armor. Her dynamic with Yeong-hwa softens her cynicism, granting her the courage to mourn her lost dreams and express tenderness toward her family and herself.

From youthful infatuation to a mature understanding of artistic creation and boundary-respecting love.

An unpretentious, intuitive art student who falls instantly for Dan-ah. While warm and accommodating, he demonstrates firm self-respect, refusing to let Dan-ah treat him as a mere plaything or disposable employee. He emerges as an accomplished artist with emotional maturity.